Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on Flint Water State Action Plan

After being briefed this morning by state officials, Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) issued the following statement today on the state’s new efforts to ensure the safety of Flint’s drinking water:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – October 5, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — “The lead levels recently reported in Flint’s water are unacceptable and could cause irreversible adverse health effects, particularly among children. Flint residents deserve safe water and immediate assistance. That’s why it is absolutely necessary that the state’s efforts announced today be implemented immediately.

“Specifically, corrosion control needs to be started now. To date, corrosion control treatment has not been started in the Flint water system. Experts acknowledge that corrosion control treatment takes time once introduced – weeks or even months – to move throughout the water distribution system and fully take effect. Thus, delaying corrosion control treatment will only delay improving the water quality.

“In the interim, it is imperative that every Flint resident who needs a lead-clearing filter gets one. Since there is already an ongoing community effort to distribute filters in addition to state resources announced today, it is critical that the state work with local leaders on the ground to coordinate efforts.

“I’m calling on all parties involved to adopt a greater sense of urgency than I’ve seen demonstrated thus far. I will continue to work with city and state officials on immediate and long term solutions to improve the quality of Flint’s water.”